Thought-provoking readings and activities are included in Setting the Stage to establish a vision for technology-supported learning. These experiences cause participants to consider new ideas about teaching and learning and to engage in dialogue about the alignment of their own practice with best practices.

Powerful, thought-provoking experiences occur throughout the project but are critical when Setting the Stage. These readings and activities stimulate participants to think "outside the box," to explore new ideas and technologies, and to risk designing projects that involve "new stories with new tools" rather than simply tacking technology onto "the same old learning story."

For example, the first meeting might begin with participants reflecting on their own most powerful learning experience. Each participant describes what they learned, how they learned it, and what made this experience so powerful. Then, small groups read an excerpt from the book Powerful Learning by Ron Brandt and identify connections between their own experiences and Brandt's essential elements of powerful learning. This experience helps set the stage by focusing on aspects of student learning that should be considered when Designing an Individual Plan.